AIBU to say something in my interview

[waterjungle]

I have an interview in a few hours time. Like most interviews at the moment because of COVID it is via Zoom. It is 20 years since I have had an interview and it is my first since leaving my previous job after having my kids.

I woke up this morning with some kind of allergic reaction. My whole face is swollen and the skin is peeling off. My eyes basically look like two currants in a Chelsea bun and my entire head looks like the last potato in the bag. I also feel like something is trying to kick it's way out of my head.

Do I say anything to the interviewers about my appearance? I don't want to say anything about physically feeling like shite as I don't want to come out with excuses but appearance wise?

I thought I would just try and style it out but I've tried putting make up on and it just looks even worse. What the actual fuck do I do? I know it's not about looks but there is going to be five people looking at my face on their computer screens and my face looks obviously strange.

Do I say something or is it really bad to kick off an interview with excuses? I mean FFS why today!!!!

@Vinyldetective I was in local A&E recently. Poor sods both staff and patients. Most of the patients apart from those in appalling pain or evident heart attacks/car crashes etc from what one of the staff told me were there because (a) their GP surgery recommended it (b) they hadn't been able to see their GP and the problem got worse after hours (c) they'd called 111 and been told to go in. Many waited up to 8 hours or more to be seen. With Covid precautions everything is taking longer and online GP consultations don't always work - and certainly not for people conversant with computers or where the local surgery has a computer problem/staff can't sort.

I turned up to an interview with washed out HUGE vomit stain down my light blue dress

A guy threw up on me on the tube

It stank to high heaven and I got the job

To those saying she shouldn’t go through with it - I’m wondering what planet you’re on? You don’t want their first impression of you to be that you’re sickly and work shy, if you can help it!

I've assumed you're actually OK before breezing ahead with my advice...

I'd email or call them in advance and say 'Really weird and a bit embarrassing, but I've had some sort of allergic reaction overnight. I'm fine, it's just I have a very swollen face and my skin is looking awful. Just wanted to let you know before I turn up on Zoom and give you all an early Halloween shock, ha ha...'
The person you speak to will likely brief the others, someone may or may not mention it at the start of the interview, and then you can all just carry on.

I had an interview once where a bird shit on me as I was walking into the building. Had to go in with a massive wet patch on my suit from where I'd tried to wash it out. I just made a bit of a joke about it at the start. I got the job! They do say it's lucky to get shit on 🤣

It’s an opportunity to be a memorable candidate! It’s all about how you communicate this has happened - briefly, concisely, calmly - good suggestions above. Most of the panel will be writing up their notes and scoring your answers as you speak so won’t be scrutinising your face too much anyway. Good luck!

If there is still time, I would email them in advance to let them know. Are you feeling okay enough that you can still do a decent interview? My husband has similar flare ups related to his immune system. They can be brought on by stress.

I wouldn't email ahead. Talk about making more of it than you need to! Just don't turn it into 'a thing.'

If you're ok in yourself, say your hellos, laugh and say ' I've had a slight allergic reaction to something. It's something and nothing but just wanted to mention it in case you think I always look a bit swollen. I don't!'

And then move on.

You risk coming across as a health problem person before you even get going if you email in beforehand.

Thanks everyone. I went ahead with it but began with, 'Can I just say this isn't my normal face, I've had some kind of allergic reaction overnight and my face seems to be swelling up, it's not some odd filter unfortunately it's just my face but I'm fine to carry on.' Then I sat on my hands to try and stop myself clawing my face off for the next 40mins.
I get the impression they think I may be over qualified for the job but I'll keep my fingers crossed!
I've also got some more anti histamines from the doctor.
Thanks for all the advice.

Well done - hope you get it!

I look even worse today but.......I got the job! Thank you all your lovely people for your advice!

Congrats 🥳

Congratulations! Hope you’re feeling better soon, must have been a bad reaction to something.

That's amazing - well done!

Now see a medical professional, dammit!

Oh well done, congratulations!

Well done OP!

That's fantastic news. Well done.

Couldn't be mumps could it OP? Your description of looking like the last potato in the sack reminds me of myself when I had mumps (I was pregnant with DS!)

Well done op!!!

Congratulations!

Great news about the job OP! Bet you looked like a right trooper going through with the interview with a swollen face. Hope it gets better soon!

Ah brilliant news! Congratulations

Omg bravo!